The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says that the People Democratic Party (PDP) Special Committee set up for inspection of election materials used in the conduct of the March 18 Governorship and House of Assembly polls is free to access every materials used at the elections except the BIVAS.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Cross River State, south south region of Nigeria, Prof Gabriel Yomere, disclosed this to journalists on telephone interview.
The Cross River State Governorship Election Tribunal had granted the PDP and its Governorship Candidate Senator Sandy Onor permission to inspect relevant sensitive materials used in the said-elections.
Recall that Truth Live News had on April 6, reported that the permission constituted one of the prayers sought for by the plaintiff in the Petition number: EPT/CR/GOV/03M/2023 dated April 4,2023, filed by Sen. Sandy Onor, the PDP governorship candidate, before the Tribunal led byJustice J.O.Okeaya Inneh and others.
The REC in a report made available to Truth Live News by a source close to the plaintiff quoted him as saying that unless the “PDP apply to thier headquarters in Abuja, it will not be allowed to access the BVAS.
The PDP Special Committee Inspection team, while briefing newsmen, Friday in Calabar said all attempts made by its members to inspect the listed materials have been proved abortive.
But the REC was reported to have said that he had handed over to the Administrative Secretary with specific instructions to ensure strict compliance to every Court order, saying that he was not aware of any impediment hindering the PDP team from inspecting the materials.
The committee secretary Chris Agbor, who said that the commission has deliberately refused them access to the BVAS, used, unused ballot papers, result sheets, and other essential materials, also said that the REC had earlier promised to give them six days to inspect the materials after the order was duly served.
He went further to say that the committee is left with no other option than to report to the Court for necessary action to enable it secure unhindered access to the materials.
“The action of the Commission, especially the Head of Operations, is an indication that there is a foul play somewhere and we shall pursue this inspection of election materials to the end just as we shall not be deterred in any way from pursuing the case to its logical conclusion.” He said.
Although, as at the time of this report the REC was reported to have been diagnosed of glaucoma and was in Kano State to see his ophthalmologist for a likely surgery.